Homemade Cheez-Its

Oh, the siren song of cheesy, crunchy goodness! Remember those afternoons after school, tearing open a bright orange box, the scent of sharp cheddar practically jumping out to slap you in the face with deliciousness? Yeah, those were the days. Now, we’re taking that nostalgia and cranking it up a notch, making our very own **Homemade Cheez-Its** that are even better than the original.

Forget the processed stuff. We’re talking real cheese, simple ingredients, and a baking process that fills your kitchen with an aroma so intoxicating, your neighbors might just start showing up with sad, empty plates, hoping for a cheesy handout. Prepare yourself; your snack game is about to get a serious upgrade.

• They are surprisingly easy to make and ready in under an hour, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean hard work.
• The depth of flavor from real cheddar cheese far surpasses anything you’ll find in a box, offering a genuine cheesy experience.
• These little crackers bake up into golden-brown squares, visually appealing and undeniably tempting for both kids and adults.
• They’re fantastic on their own, perfect with soups, or even crumbled over salads for an unexpected burst of cheesy delight.

Ingredients for Homemade Cheez-Its

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour Forms the base of the cracker, providing structure. Make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese This is the star of the show! Use a good quality, sharp cheddar for the most authentic flavor. Pre-shredded is convenient, but freshly grated melts more evenly.
• Unsalted Butter Adds richness and helps create a tender, flaky cracker. Ensure it’s cold for the best results.
• Cold Water Binds the dough together. Cold water is crucial to prevent the butter from melting prematurely.
• Salt Enhances the flavor of the cheese and other ingredients. A little goes a long way.
• Paprika Adds a touch of color and subtle smoky flavor. You can use smoked paprika for an even deeper flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Homemade Cheez-Its

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cheese Please!

Grate your cheddar cheese if you haven’t already. This ensures it incorporates evenly into the dough. Seriously, don’t skimp on the good stuff here!

Step 2: Dough-Re-Mi (Get it? Dough?)

In a food processor, combine the flour, cheddar cheese, butter, salt, and paprika. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a pastry blender or your fingers, but the food processor works best for speed and consistency.

Step 3: Hydration Station

Slowly add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, while pulsing, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want it to be just combined. The dough should form a ball.

Step 4: Chill Out

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, resulting in a flakier cracker. Patience, young Padawan.

Step 5: Roll with It

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness. The thinner, the crispier!

Step 6: Cut and Poke

Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into small squares (about 1 inch). Transfer the squares to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a toothpick or skewer to poke holes in each cracker. This prevents them from puffing up too much during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crackers are golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on them; they can go from golden to burnt quickly.

Step 8: Cool and Conquer

Let the crackers cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. This allows them to crisp up even further.

Transfer to a bowl and enjoy your **homemade Cheez-Its** as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite soup!

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